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In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:

Interest combinations are unique to each of the occupations in this National Occupational Classification (NOC) group. Please consult the 2003 NOC Career Handbook for further information.

INNOVATIVE

Interest combinations are unique to each of the occupations in this National Occupational Classification (NOC) group. Please consult the 2003 NOC Career Handbook for further information.

METHODICAL

Interest combinations are unique to each of the occupations in this National Occupational Classification (NOC) group. Please consult the 2003 NOC Career Handbook for further information.

Reading Interest Codes

A Quick Guide

The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation. It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective and Social.

Those primarily involved in servicing residential cable systems focus on trouble shooting problems when they arise.

To perform their duties, communication technicians must be:

able to use hand tools and testing equipment, such as optical time domain reflectomete (OTDR), Ethernet and radio frequency sweep testing equipment

certified in the products they support

familiar with different program configurations and components

able to troubleshoot faults and isolate defective components

Working Conditions

Updated Dec 15, 2016

Working conditions vary considerably in this occupation. Communication technicians may work indoors or outdoors, and often travel to several work sites in a day. They generally work a standard 35 to 40 hour week, but may have to work some overtime, particularly when weather conditions or other events disrupt cable or telephone service. Shift work may be required.

Stringing cable from utility poles may involve climbing and balancing on an aerial platform or pole in all types of weather conditions. Communication technicians must observe safety precautions to reduce the risk of injury from electrical shocks, falls or hazards associated with cable splicing.

Strength Required
Lift up to 20 kg

Skills & Abilities

Updated Dec 15, 2016

Communication technicians need the following characteristics:

mechanical ability

mathematical ability

analytical ability

the communication and interpersonal skills required to maintain harmony with subscribers and work colleagues

the ability to work and solve problems independently

good colour vision, manual dexterity and hand-eye co-ordination

the ability to climb poles and ladders while carrying tools and equipment

an ongoing interest in keeping up to date with changes in technology.

Those who work in customers' homes and businesses must be courteous, tactful and adaptable.

Communication technicians should enjoy operating tools and test equipment, diagnosing technical problems and working with people.

Educational Requirements

Updated Dec 15, 2016

To work in Alberta, a communication technician may be ONE of the following:

a registered apprentice

an Alberta-certified journeyperson

someone who holds a recognized related trade certificate

someone who works for an employer who is satisfied that the worker has the skills and knowledge expected of certified journeyperson

Communication Technician

Communication technicians install, maintain and repair wiring networks, communication equipment and equipment such as intercoms, fax machines, computer networks and various types of microwave, television, toll and switching equipment used to provide local or long distance service. For more information, see the Trades and Occupations section of Alberta's Tradesecrets website.

What You Need

The term of apprenticeship for apprentice communication technicians in Alberta is four years (four 12-month periods) including 1,500 hours of on-the-job training, six weeks of technical training in the first three periods and eight weeks of technical training in the final period. Apprentices must find suitable employers who are willing to hire and train apprentices, and successfully complete technical training examinations.

Working in Alberta

Communication technicians trained in other provinces and territories can work in Alberta if they hold a certificate or license recognized by the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training Board or have the skills and knowledge expected of a journeyperson certified in Alberta. For more information, see the Recognized Trade Certificates page of the Tradesecrets website.

Contact Details

Any of the Apprenticeship and Industry Training Client Service Offices located throughout Alberta. For a list of office locations and telephone numbers, click on "Contact Us" on the home page of the Tradesecrets website (tradesecrets.alberta.ca).

Communication technicians are employed by communication and cable companies that install, maintain, sell, rent or lease communications equipment, or install private communications systems. The communications industry as a whole is experiencing ongoing expansion.

Experienced communication technicians may advance to supervisory positions, change to other craft areas, or retrain and transfer to other departments such as sales or engineering. Alberta certified journeyperson communication technicians who have the supervisory or management skills required by industry may apply for an Achievement in Business Competencies Blue Seal by contacting Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training.

Communication technicians are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 7246: Telecommunications installation and repair workers. In Alberta, 80% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:

occupational growth (work opportunities resulting from the creation of new positions that never existed before)

size of the occupation.

Over 4,500 Albertans are employed in the Telecommunications installation and repair workers occupational group. This group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.3% from 2016 to 2020. As a result, 59 new positions are forecast to be created each year, in addition to job openings created by employment turnover. Note: As communication technicians form only a part of this larger occupational group, only some of these newly created positions will be for communication technicians.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Wage & Salary

Updated Dec 15, 2016

Journeyperson wage rates vary but generally range from $30 to $48 an hour plus benefits (2016 estimates). Apprentice communication technicians earn at least 40% of the journeyperson wage rate in their place of employment in the first year, 50% in the second, 60% in the third and 75% in the fourth.

In additional to hourly wages, residential cable installers earn commissions for the extra services they sell.

Swipe left and right to view all data.Scroll left and right to view all data.

* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.

B: Good Reliability

Data Reliability Code Definition

Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.

Updated Jul 01, 2009. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.